Rip Curl Pro Returns to Tofino This Weekend

Canada’s best surfers set to return for 12th annual Rip Curl Pro, Canada’s longest running and most prestigious Pro surfing event from May 11-13 in Tofino, British Columbia.

Over 150 surfers across 10 separate divisions will vie for $25,000 in cash and prizes at Cox Bay in Tofino, British Columbia, this weekend. The event is Canada’s largest and longest running surf competition. Last season saw a strong mix of local and international talent competing in a number of memorable heats throughout the three-day competition. This year’s field includes returning champions Sanoa Olin and Pete Devries. Olin will once again compete alongside sister Mathea Olin, who is coming off a pair of epic performances at last year’s PASA Pan American Surfing Games in Peru. The eldest Olin sister captured Canada’s first two medals in international competition, claiming bronze in Women’s shortboard and gold in Women’s longboard. In the men’s division, all eyes will be on 2017 champion Devries, as well as fellow Canadian Noah Cohen.

All photos on this page by Kyler Vos Photography.

“It has been a really nice run at the Rip Curl Pro for me,” said Devries. “I don’t put the jersey on very often and the Pro is one of the only times a year that I do, so I’m definitely looking forward to it. Props to Rip Curl for keeping the event going.”

Surfing’s popularity is at an all-time high in Canada, with the sport set to make it’s Olympic debut in 2020.

“If you work hard and perform well at events, there’s that chance that someone from Canada could be going to the Olympics,” added Devries. “This is a really important event for Canadian participants to get that competitive experience and really try to show what they can do to get to that next level.”

“We are excited to be back in Tofino for the 12th year,” said Nick Russell, Event Director and Rip Curl Canada Vice President. “This year’s event is shaping up to be the best ever with the level of international competitors at an all-time high!”

This year’s Rip Curl Pro will see the inclusion of the inaugural Rip Curl Filmmaker Challenge, presented by Telus. Some of the Western Canada’s most talented filmmakers will present their Canadian surf film concepts, with the winner receiving a $40,000 grant from Telus to bring their concept to life. The Friday night of the Rip Curl Pro Tofino will be when the men and women behind the lens will be celebrated including Marcus Palladino, who has been featured on this website in the article: “What It Takes To Be A Surf Photographer in Canada.” The other filmmakers include:

Ben Gulliver

Nate Laverty

Desiree Bilon

Robert Fiorella

Leanne Pelosi

Each will premiere their trailer in front of an esteemed judging panel and the Canadian surf community and one will walk away with the $40,000 prize.